'diesel' noise when cold

[Marknewbie500]

When cold is a 'diesel' type noise relativly normal for a standard 97 Chim 500? This only appears when cold and under load (i.e. not at tickover)and goes away when warm. I know that these cars do not have mapped ignition and are a bit 'cammy' so I wondered it is attributble to this. Engine will rev upto 6k (and probably beyond) with no problems, although the majority of the 'pull' tapers over v. quickly after about 5k. Only had the car about a month and has been consistant throughout.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeers.

[blujay10]

err...wouldn't have thought that it was normal to sound like a diesel when cold - mine doesnt! I am sure one of the more knowledgable chaps will be along in a minute, but maybe worth getting it checked.

[Marknewbie500]

Note that the noise does not occur at tickover/gentle accelaration at cold. Also warm engine is realativly quite all around.
Ta

[griffter]

A 'diesel' noise is symptomatic of pinking, or pre-ignition due to the timing being too far advanced. Get it checked out without delay, because pinking under load can cause damage. It might just be a leaky exhaust gasket however, the leak closing up as things warm up. Best not mess about though, just in case.

[GreenV8S]

Diesel noises definitely not normal, but assuming this occurs under moderate load (surely you *won't* be caning it from cold!) it is most likely a blowing exhaust manifold. This is quite common, needs fixing, and is probably not going to be hideously expensive.

[mbu10]

well for the first min or so when cold (not run for a day)
starts stright away (do not have to be in car just turn key starts car,open boot put roof in )
after a min or so mine sounds good
but for the first min it sounds a little rough not "free reving"
then after a min or so works like a dream
i must admit mine would flood if not warmed up for 2-3 mins before i drove it
but since i cleaned and resealed the stepper does not do it now
but still a little rough for the first min or so
just thinking of chekcing the timing this weekend
what the correct TDC for this engine serp on a 95
which is cylnder 1 and where is the timing plate ??
thanks

[GreenV8S]

mbu10 said:

do not have to be in car just turn key starts car,open boot put roof in

I promise you you'll stop doing that the first time you start the car in gear.

[chassis 33]

GreenV8S said:

mbu10 said: do not have to be in car just turn key starts car,open boot put roof in I promise you you'll stop doing that the first time you start the car in gear.

...I ran my dad over at the weekend doing that...not the cleverest thing I've done in my life.

Regards
Iain

[radzoule]

i've come to within an inch more pressure on the key of doing that - its especially a problem on these where you have to be geoff capes to apply the handbrake!